Fantasy Tip: Despite missing two games and playing on an ankle that was less than 100% at times, Newton still topped 500 rushing yards last season and scored five times. Those numbers are probably the floor for his rushing stats in 2015, and he has a great chance to finish among the top five fantasy scorers at the quarterback position.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton won't run less in 2015 because of the contract extension he received, general manager Dave Gettleman said. "He's got to be Cam," Gettleman said. "You don't hold back a thoroughbred, you don't."

Fantasy Tip: Newton is healthy heading in 2015, and with the Panthers surrounding him with big targets in the passing game, he should easily provide QB1 value.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton has better footwork and decision making in what head coach Ron Rivera called the best he has seen from Newton in practice this week. "I think it's all part of his growth," said Rivera. "Again, he's a young man. He came into this league after playing only one year of major-college football. I think it's been good for him. I think his development is really headed in the right direction and again the big plus is we've had him (healthy) for all the OTAs (organized team activities) and minicamp this year."

Fantasy Tip: Newton is a midrange QB1 that could approach the fringe of the elite tier with many of those starting to age. Even if he's burned you before, he's worth the shot as he enters this season healthy.

Carolina Panthers WR Corey Brown (formerly known as Philly Brown) has big-play speed and he has run more precise routes during offseason workouts. He has developed a nice rapport with QB Cam Newton and he could potentially be a deep threat, more so than WR Ted Ginn Jr.

Fantasy Tip: Brown has the potential to be a breakout candidate in 2015, but risking anything more than a pick after Round 13 or so would be foolish at this point. Watch to see him perform in training camp and the preseason before bumping him up on your cheat sheets.

Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton has agreed to a five-year, $103 million deal, according to a source. He will make $67.6 million in the first three years of the deal.

Fantasy Tip: Newton has the mega deal, now he needs to live up to it. We know he has the talent and the ability, but on occasion he seems to try too hard to be successful. When he's at his best, there's no question he can be a top-tier fantasy quarterback. Draft him as a low-end QB1.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton is close to a contract extension that will run through the 2020 season, according to sources. The deal could be done in the next day or two.

Fantasy Tip: Newton struggled through an injury-riddled year in 2014, but he showed toughness in doing so. He could be in store for a bounce-back year. The middle of the pack of QB1's is really muddy, so he could come at a nice value if he's able to get past the ankle surgery from last offseason.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton said no one has the size, the speed, the arm strength or the intangibles that he has. "I'm not saying that to say I'm a one-on-one type of person that this league will never see another… I'm just saying that so much of my talents have not been seen in one person."

Fantasy Tip: Newton is certainly a rare specimen. He has all the physical tools but sometimes struggles with inaccuracy. When healthy, he's a QB1 candidate. He finished as a QB2 last season but only played in 14 games. In 2015 drafts, take him as a QB1.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton's expected new long-term contract may get done later rather than sooner. The topic of Newton's new deal was not even discussed when Newton's representatives and the Panthers met during the NFL scouting combine. If a new deal is not done this year, Carolina could franchise tag him in 2016.

Fantasy Tip: Newton had the worst season of his young career in 2014, partly thanks to nagging injuries and a subpart wide receiver corps. If Newton can stay healthy, though, he still has QB1 potential and should still be considered a starting fantasy quarterback.

Fantasy Tip: Newton has indicated he is in no hurry to sign, as he wants to wait and see how the market for Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck develops. Whatever the case, Newton is a safe bet to begin the season as the Panthers' starter but has shaky fantasy value because of how he fared against teams this year.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton is 0-3 against the Seattle Seahawks in his career, with all three games coming in Carolina. He has completed just 54% of his passes in those three games, and he's thrown just one touchdown and has one interception.

Fantasy Tip: Newton came out of the wild-card playoff win over the Arizona Cardinals with a decent stat line despite not playing that well. He'll have to play much better against Seattle on the road to have a chance at beating them. Against the Seahawks' stellar defense, we would advise FantasyScore players to look to avoid him this weekend.

Fantasy Tip: Newton should be able to start this week after missing last week because of his back injury. Newton is a risky option this week at $6,700 on FantasyScore because of his injury and he is facing a tough Cleveland Browns defense.

Updating previous reports, Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (back) has yet to officially be cleared to play in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns, but head coach Ron Rivera is "very comfortable and confident" that Newton will start. "Right now, everything is pointing in the right direction," Rivera said. "The reason I haven't said anything (definitive) is because of that one big thing, waiting for doctors to tell me they feel good about it." Newton hasn't shown any signs of pain in practice this week.

Fantasy Tip: Newton ($6,700) just needs to be officially cleared by doctors, which is a certainty at this point. Feel free to start him, but his inconsistency this year should make you hesitant to put him in your FantasyScore lineup, especially after missing last week.

Fantasy Tip: That means that Newton ($6,700) will almost certainly play against the Browns this weekend. Newton has been erratic this year, though, and he's a pretty risky FantasyScore option coming off his back injury, especially if he doesn't scramble as much.

Fantasy Tip: Newton looks like he will be the starting quarterback this week if he does not suffer a setback. Newton is facing a Cleveland Browns defense that has allowed the third fewest average points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Newton costs $6,700 on FantasyScore but may not be the best option for owners.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (back) said he is not dealing with any pain in his back but is taking things one day at a time. Newton said he needs to be 100 percent before he can play.

Fantasy Tip: Newton has been able to do things during practice this week, so he may have a chance to play in Week 16. Newton has a price of $6,700 on FantasyScore but may be a risky option because of the injury and his matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (back) had an increased set of repetitions in practice Thursday, Dec. 18, and it looks like he's on track to play in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Ron Rivera has yet to name Newton the starter, though, but he showed no signs of pain for the second straight day. Newton has been showing good velocity on his throws and hasn't had restrictions with his movement. QB Derek Anderson took second-team reps Thursday.

Fantasy Tip: Newton ($6,700) looks like he'll start against the Browns, but he's been too up and down to trust at FantasyScore, especially against a Cleveland team that isn't too shabby against opposing signal callers.

Fantasy Tip: It looks like Newton has a good chance to play this week but owners should continue to monitor the situation. Newton has a tough matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 16 and may not be a great starting option in FantasyScore at $6,700.

Fantasy Tip: It was good to see Newton back at practice and throwing and running just more than a week after being involved in a horrific car accident. It's unknown if he'll be able to play in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns, though, making him a risky commodity at FantasyScore for $6,700.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (back) returned to practice Wednesday, Dec. 17, and he worked with the second-team offense in the portion of practice open to the media. QB Derek Anderson worked with the first-team. Newton's status for Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns is uncertain right now, but he looked to be moving and throwing well Wednesday. He also ran and make some juke moves without difficulty. Head coach Ron Rivera said he had hoped to make a decision on the starting QB early in the week.

Fantasy Tip: Newton ($6,700) is a very risky play this weekend against the Browns, even if he returns to action. Cleveland actually has limited opposing QBs to an average of 13.41 fantasy points per game all season long.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (back) will only start in Week 16 if the team believes Newton can protect himself during the game, according to head coach Ron Rivera. "I don't want to put a guy out there that can't protect himself," Rivera said. "By that it's being able to run out of the way, scramble out of the way, stay alive, keep the play alive by being able to get away. That's all part of it. That's all part of the decision that went into the first Tampa Bay game." The team has a rehab program for Newton, and his status will be determined based on if he can meet the rehab goals during the week.

Fantasy Tip: Owners will need to monitor this situation during the week to see if Newton has a chance to play in Week 16. Newton could be limited if he is cleared to play, so owners may want to use a different option at quarterback for this upcoming week.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (back) is considered day-to-day, but the team is optimistic about Newton's availability for Week 16, according to sources.

Fantasy Tip: Owners will need to monitor his practice participation next week to have a better idea on his status. QB Derek Anderson will be starting in his place in Week 15 but probably should not be a starting option for owners on FantasyScore.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (back) currently isn't concerned about whether he'll be able to return to action this season. "As far as when I'm coming back, who cares," Newton said. "That's not something I'm worried about. I'm just thankful to have breath in my lungs so I can breathe again." Head coach Ron Rivera said the best-case-scenario would be to have Newton back at practice next week, but there are no guarantees.

Fantasy Tip: Newton won't play this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Derek Anderson ($3,700) will start instead, and he's a risky sleeper option if you're willing to dig deep.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (back) will not be at the team's facilities Wednesday, Dec. 10, after being discharged from the hospital. It is unknown how long it will be until he's ready to return to action. "That will be determined really on a day-to-day basis and we'll see how fast the soreness goes away," team spokesman Charlie Dayton said. "He'll start the recuperation process today." QB Derek Anderson was taking first-team repetitions in practice Wednesday.

Fantasy Tip: Newton ($6,900) is unlikely to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend, so you should avoid him at FantasyScore. Anderson went 24-for-34 for 230 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 against the Bucs. At $3,700, he's definitely a sleeper option if you feel like being risky.

Updating previous reports, Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (back) remained hospitalized Wednesday, Dec. 10, and there are no updates on his health.

Fantasy Tip: Derek Anderson ($3,700; 7.4% of your cap) has a good matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but his skill set doesn't provide a lot of upside with so many other options on FantasyScore.

Fantasy Tip: Derek Anderson ($3,700) will assume the reins at quarterback if Newton is out. He could make for a nice value play, too, against one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (back) has two transverse fractures in his lower back, but no other significant injures.

Fantasy Tip: There is still no timetable on Newton's return, but he is staying overnight in a Carolina hospital. It still remains to be seen if he will play this week. If he does, he has a favorable matchup versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Updating an ongoing story, Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton suffered no serious injuries or fractures in the car wreck he was involved in Tuesday, Dec. 9, according to preliminary tests.

Fantasy Tip: It sounds like Newton is OK, but as the report indicates, the tests were preliminary. It's still unclear what his status will be prior to the team's Week 15 contest. Stay tuned for more details.

Fantasy Tip: Apparently Newton was smiling after the crash and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance as a precaution. This is an ongoing story with more details emerging, so stay tuned. It's hard to say what his outlook for Week 15 is at the moment.

Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (undisclosed) was taken off by a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance after he was involved in a two-car accident Tuesday, Dec. 9, in which his car was overturned.

Fantasy Tip: Without further details, it looks as though Newton could be dealing with a serious injury. Fingers crossed for his outlook. If he has to miss this week's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Derek Anderson would likely fill in for him.

Fantasy Tip: It's unclear how serious Newton's injuries are, but this situation needs to be closely monitored by his owners. Carolina is facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15, so if Newton is cleared to play, he should make for a fine option at FantasyScore at a price of $6,900.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton will remain the team's quarterback despite having his worst statistical season to date. Head coach Ron Rivera said it would be difficult and unfair Newton based on this season and the offseason. Newton had ankle surgery during the offseason and has been hampered with injuries throughout the season. He was also without running backs DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert at one point.

Fantasy Tip: This season has certainly been difficult for those rostering Newton, but it could turn out to be an anomaly. He was a top-four fantasy quarterback in his first three seasons and might just need another offseason to recover and reboot. As far as this week, Newton draws a nice matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Then again, he has struggled in previous matchups that were in his favor.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (head) was checked for a possible concussion in the first quarter of the team's Week 11 game but was cleared to play.

Fantasy Tip: Newton has been hit a lot this season but will have a week to rest since the team has a Week 12 bye. Newton is no longer an every week starting option since he has thrown at least one interception in each of his last seven games.

Updating previous reports, Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (foot, ankle) admitted that he has been playing hurt after saying he was fine following the team's embarrassing Week 10 loss Monday, Nov. 10. "Hurt is hurt," Newton said. "If you're asking me am I hurt right now? Yeah, I'm hurt. I haven't felt 100 percent in a long time. Is that going to hinder anything or that's been my excuse of why we're on a losing streak? No." Newton hasn't posted a quarterback rating higher than his career average of 85.4 since Oct. 12.

Fantasy Tip: Well then. Newton didn't look right and wasn't his explosive self while trying to escape the pocket against the Philadelphia Eagles. Even though he has a nice matchup against the Atlanta Falcons this weekend, it's hard to justify spending $7,500 on him at FantasyScore when he's not 100 percent healthy. Look elsewhere.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (foot, ankles), didn't injure his foot or reinjure his ankles in Week 10 Monday, Nov. 10, according to head coach Ron Rivera. "I'm not sure where all that came from. But put it to rest," Rivera said. "He said it at his press conference after the game, he's fine." Newton didn't look right in the loss, and he struggled to accelerate to avoid sacks. He finished the game going 18-for-30 for 195 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions.

Fantasy Tip: Newton's offensive line did a terrible job of protecting him against the Philadelphia Eagles. It's great news that Newton isn't injured, but even with a nice matchup in store against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11, it's hard to trust him for a FantasyScore price of $6,800.

Fantasy Tip: In Newton's defense, his offensive line put up a pitiful performance and didn't give him much of a chance at all. However, he still didn't look right, and he's definitely beat up physically, as he was seen grimacing at various moments during the night. It's hard to trust Newton as your FantasyScore quarterback right now.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton and the team have made no progress in talks about a contract extension since discussing it before the season. Both sides hope to have something done in the offseason, however.

Fantasy Tip: Newton has been pretty bad in recent weeks for his fantasy football owners. Consider Newton a midrange to weak QB1 and play him accordingly based on the matchups.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton had the worst statistical game of his career in the Week 9 loss to the New Orleans Saints Thursday, Oct. 30, completing just 10 of 28 passes for 151 yards with no touchdowns and one interception (he also ran a TD in). Newton posted career lows in completions, completion percentage (35.7) and passer rating (39.4). He was sacked four times and also lost a fumble.

Fantasy Tip: Newton has been bad of late, reminding owners that he's a midrange QB1 on a week-to-week basis. He can make plays with his legs, but if his offensive line can't protect him, it won't be pretty, like we saw last night.

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (hand) was banged up late in the fourth quarter of the Week 6 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He appeared to bang his throwing arm or thumb on an interception, and was being checked by a trainer on the sidelines.